DEMO

COVID-19 Prevention

COVID-19 Vaccine – Get Your COVID-19 Shot and a Booster Shot:

  • Stay current with your COVID-19 shot(s). Vaccines have saved more lives than any other public health action. They are the most powerful weapon we have against deadly infectious diseases. Follow the science.
  • Safe and effective vaccines and boosters are now available for people age 6 months and older.
  • Get your COVID-19 vaccine(s). It could save your life and protect your family.
  • Vaccine Sites: find a nearby vaccine site at vaccines.gov or call your doctor’s office.

COVID-19: How to Protect Yourself and Family from Catching It – The Basics

  • Get the COVID-19 vaccine(s) when eligible. It is your best protection against this serious infection.
  • Avoid close contact with sick people.
  • Consider wearing a mask when community spread is high.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water (very important). Always do before you eat.
  • Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if water is not available. Remember: soap and water work better.
  • Don’t touch your eyes, nose or mouth unless your hands are clean. Germs on the hands can get into your body this way.
  • Don’t share glasses, plates or eating utensils.
  • Don’t shake hands. Greet others with a smile and a nod.

Keep Your Mind and Body Strong

  • Get your body ready to fight the COVID-19 virus.
  • Get enough sleep (very important).
  • Keep your heart strong. Walk or exercise every day. Take the stairs. Caution: avoid physical exhaustion.
  • Think positive thoughts.
  • Stay well-hydrated.
  • Eat healthy meals. 
  • Avoid the over-use of anti-fever medicines like acetaminophen and ibuprofen. Fever fights infections and ramps up your immune system.

How to Protect Others – When You or Your Child are Sick

  • Stay home until fever is gone for 24 hours and symptoms are mild and improving.
  • Do NOT go to work or school.
  • Cover the cough. Cough and sneeze into your shirt sleeve or inner elbow.  Don’t cough into your hand or the air. If available, sneeze into a tissue and throw it into a trash can.
  • Wash hands often with soap and water. After coughing or sneezing are important times.
  • Don’t share glasses, plates or eating utensils.
  • Carefully avoid any contact with people 65 years and older and people with weak immune systems or other chronic health problems.

Call Your Doctor If:

  • You think you or your child needs to be seen
  • You have other questions or concerns

Author: Barton Schmitt, MD, FAAP
Copyright: Copyright 2024. Updated February 20, 2024.
Disclaimer: this health information is for educational purposes only. You, the reader, assume full responsibility for how you choose to use it.